Subaru Named Official Vehicle Of Indiana's Bicentennial Torch Relay

LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Indiana Office of Tourism Development has designated Subaru of Indiana the official vehicle of the state’s Bicentennial Torch Relay, which kicks off a year from Wednesday. 

Even though the torch itself won’t do much riding inside the cars — it is, after all, meant to be seen – Subaru is furnishing 10 vehicles that will support the so-called “torch caravan”: a group of government and tourism officials who’ll help the flame make its 2,300-mile journey across the state. 

The 10 cars will be made at Subaru of Indiana Automotive’s Lafayette plant and will be loaned to the state for the five-week-long relay next year.

Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann says the partnership represents the state’s manufacturing identity.

"We have more manufacturing jobs per capita than any other state in the nation and we’re very proud of that. We are going to continue to grow that," Ellspermann said. "We think it’s part of our past, but we’re very pleased to say we see it as a key part of our future."

The partnership also reflects the state as a home for foreign companies, such as the Japanese-owned Subaru.

The most recent data from the Indiana Business Research Center and IU’s Kelley School of Business indicates five percent of the state’s private workforce is employed by foreign companies. Sixty-four percent of those jobs are in manufacturing.